David Sedgwick

A family have spoken of their horror after their car’s windscreen was smashed by youths throwing a brick as they were travelling at 70mph.

Julie Douglas, her partner Craig Johnson and their 22-month-old baby Maisie were travelling northbound on the A1 when the incident happened on Saturday at 2pm near to the Great Park, Gosforth, Newcastle.

Craig Johnson and the car window which was broken after a brick was thrown at their vehicle on the A1. Picture by Jane Coltman.

The three were left covered in glass after two young boys – believed to be around ten-years-old – threw half a brick at their Jeep Renegade.

Craig, who was driving, managed to keep control of the vehicle and drive to a safe location where they called police.

They were left traumatised by the incident, coming less than two weeks after Julie and Craig had been in separate car accidents.

Julie, of South Beach, Blyth, said: “We had been driving home from the Metrocentre when we saw two boys on the grass mound near the A1.

“We saw them throw the brick and didn’t expect it to hit the car and then the windscreen smashed.

“There was lots of glass in the car, my little girl was covered.

“We were just so lucky that Craig didn’t swerve and was able to control the car.

“We pulled off at the next junction and Craig ran into the field to look for them but they had gone.

“There were a couple driving behind us, they also had a new-born baby in the car, and they followed us off the road and gave us their details as a witness.”

Julie added: “I’m still in shock and angry about it.

“We were both in separate accidents in the last couple of weeks and were both nervous about being in a car.

“It was a courtesy car and it is going to cost us £250 to repair the windscreen.”

Julie issued a warning on Facebook about the incident, and her post has now been shared more than 4,000 times.

She said: “Everybody has been really supportive about it.

“If someone did come forward it might stop the boys from killing someone.

“The police said it was the third incident like this in the area.”

Now police have issued a stark warning to youths who throw objects onto the busy road – and warned that this type of behaviour could lead to a fatality.

Newcastle West Neighbourhood Inspector Pip Hails said: “These youths may see this as a harmless prank but it’s completely irresponsible and could well lead to somebody being killed.

“Not only are they putting people’s lives at risk but they could end up with a criminal record which could ultimately impact on their future.

“The youngsters involved need to think carefully about the consequences of their actions – they have been warned.

“We know it’s a handful of young people who are involved and I’d urge anyone with information or who witnesses any offences take place to let us know as soon as possible.”

It is believed those responsible are two white boys wearing blue hoodies.

The youths involved, or anyone with information about the incident, should contact police on 101 quoting log 630 25/03/17 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.